#1890-To Gerhard Wilskamp and his fellow-brothers in Herford

To the highly honorable men,Herr Gerhand von Zanten, the father of the house of brothers, and his colleagues in Herford, his friend.
Heil! Higly honorable men! We are sending you a copy of the letter which we have written to the nine men (Novemviros)in which we vigourously admonished about a forceful onslaught; we posit for them no right over your properties,lives or ordinances. We have also clearly indicated that you can govern your own parish since you have used so well the doctrine of the Gospel and have practices consistent with the Gospel. Therfore according to our opinion or counsel no one should force you in any way to change your ordinances; however, we have added that we would write to you for the sake of the community. For example, it would be beneficial if you would enjoy the fellowship of the rest of the churches and if you do that it would appear that the whole matter would be resolved. Likely also many citizens who are not inclined to the Gospel would be lured to it by your example. Also we are not wanting you to change your garments nor to forsake your present way of life. We leave it to your judgment whether you in this case want to comply with the citizens. We in no way hold that you should be forced in this regard and we clearly regard your usages as good so far as we can determine them from your pamphlet. For this reason we have no misgivings about your wanting maintain your own parish. Regarding the garments and your occupying of the cloister and your entire administration we make this pronouncement: These things stand absolutely in your power. The city has no sovereignty over you and we would never want to be the motivator of anyone outside to have the power to enforce different things upon you. if, moreover you are dealing with this situation with the citizens we plead that you would give your answer in a mild way. Be it well with you. On the day after the Jubilate Sunday (22 April) 1532.
Two gold-gulden which you have given to the messenger for us we are returning with the messenger that he should restore them to you. We are not free to accept the same because of the gossip of godless people but yet we do not despise your wishing us well. However, we are giving the condemners no occasion for slander. Again be it well with you.
NOTE: The Brothers sent an "Apology" (pamphlet) to Wittenberg for review.